The convicts with death are Abdur Razzak, his son Shariful Islam, Tajul Islam, Delwar Hossain alias Delu and Barkat Ullah. Mokhlesur Rahman, Giasuddin, Rokanuddin and Asumuddin, all brothers, and Afajuddin and Mohitun Islam were jailed for life.

Judge Shamsul Alam Khan of the Third Additional Sessions Judge's Court handed down the verdict at a jam-packed courtroom in presence of the convicts.

The death convicts can appeal to the High Court against the verdict within seven days from the date of receipt of the judgement copy, the court said.

Earlier, the prosecution and defence completed their arguments and the court recorded statements of 19 prosecution witnesses.

In a case filed with Uttara Police Station on September 24, 1998, the victim's brother Matiur Rahman said Tajul and Sharif killed Ahsanullah over a dispute in buying a shop the same day. They took Ahsanullah to Baunia Bazar and gunned down him, he added.

Matiur filed the murder case against Tajul and 10 others and the investigation officer pressed charges on May 30, 1999.